Laban (Mormon)

Laban (died 600 BC) was a notable and wealthy Jerusalemite at the time of King Zedekiah. He was killed by Nephi, who had been ordered by God to recover the brass plates that contained the history of the Jews.

Biography
Laban was a notable citizen of Jerusalem who commanded great wealth and many servants, and he possessed a set of brass plates containing the genealogy of Lehi. In 600 BC, Lehi sent his sons to recover the brass plates from Laban, and Lehi's eldest son Laman drew lots and was sent to recover the plates by himself. Laban threatened to slay Laman, who fled and warned his brothers. The brothers decided to go to Laban's house with their riches, but the covetous Laban sent his servants to slay the brothers and steal their goods. The brothers left behind their goods and fled to the wilderness, where Laman and Lemuel slew Sam and Nephi for obeying their father's commands. However, an angel revived Sam and Nephi, and the brothers decided to return to Laban's house at night. Nephi found Laban unconscious and drunk, and, justifying his next actions by saying that Laban did not adhere to the Commandments and that he had attempted to kill him, proceeded to cut his head off with his own sword. Nephi then wore Laban's clothing, armor, and sword, and accessed Laban's treasury with the help of his servant Zoram.